Recipes | I've Been Cooking

Cocada Amarela

Cocada Amarela is a rich, glossy coconut-and-egg-yolk confection from the Lusophone world, scented with cinnamon, lemon peel, and vanilla. It’s a tender, fudge-like dessert with pronounced coconut flavor and a golden hue.

🇦🇴 Angola$

Praslin Breadfruit Chips

Crispy island‑style breadfruit chips fried in fragrant coconut oil, dusted with sea salt, chili, and black pepper, then brightened with a squeeze of fresh lime.

🇸🇨 Seychelles$

Mannavaht

Mannavaht is a fluffy Estonian whipped semolina mousse cooked in cranberry juice, gently sweetened and perfumed with vanilla and lemon zest. Served cool with a splash of milk and fresh berries for a light, tangy dessert.

🇪🇪 Estonia$

Grape Nut Ice Cream

A classic, custard-style vanilla ice cream studded with malty, crunchy Grape-Nuts cereal. Rich and creamy with a nostalgic cereal crunch in every bite.

🇯🇲 Jamaica$$

Oblea

A classic Colombian oblea: crisp wafer rounds sandwiched with dulce de leche and queso fresco, then finished with blackberry jam, coconut, peanuts, chocolate syrup, and a dusting of powdered sugar. A quick, no-bake sweet with creamy, crunchy, and fruity layers.

🇨🇴 Colombia$

Lasary Voatabia

A bright, zesty Malagasy tomato salad (Lasary Voatabia) of tomatoes, onion, scallions, garlic, chili, cilantro, lime, and vinegar with a touch of oil—served as a relish, side, or topping.

🇲🇬 Madagascar$

Sahawiq

Sahawiq (zhug) is a bright, spicy Yemeni herb-and-chile condiment pulsed with cilantro, parsley, mint, garlic, warm spices, lemon, and a touch of olive oil. It’s zesty, fresh, and fiery—perfect as a dip, spread, or drizzle for grilled meats, eggs, breads, and roasted vegetables.

🇾🇪 Yemen$

Keke Lolo

Keke Lolo is an island-style coconut cake/quick bread enriched with coconut milk and grated coconut, warmly spiced and dotted with raisins. A hint of lime zest and bay leaf–infused liquid add fragrant depth for a moist, tender crumb.

🇹🇴 Tonga$$

Surinamese Sesame Coconut Squares

Chewy-crisp Surinamese sesame coconut squares infused with fresh ginger, vanilla, and a hint of lime zest. A fragrant, toasty confection that balances nutty sesame with tropical coconut and bright citrus. Perfect for gifting, tea time, or an after-dinner sweet.

🇸🇷 Suriname$

Wagashi Cotonou

A classic Beninese fresh cheese, curdled with lemon juice and lightly salted, then fried in vibrant red palm oil for a delicately springy texture and savory, gently tangy flavor. Often enjoyed as street food or a snack, Wagashi Cotonou shines with a crisp exterior and creamy center.

🇧🇯 Benin$

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